It's just too good of a thing...

I'm taking bets on how long Ed Young Jr's blog will last. Ten bucks says it goes the way of Rick Warren's podcasts in 2 months =)

ht: Kent

Comments

[Kent Shaffer]

It was such a bummer when Rick went AWOL.

[Mike Anderson]

Price is right rules? I'll go 2 months 1 day.

I've gotta say. It's pretty funny that his second post was a 10 min video of him in purple and yellow tights playing with his dogs.

That takes guts.

[Ben Arment]

you're very diplomatic Mike :)

[Zak White]

it's funny because it is true.

Yes Kent, it stunk when Rick went AWOL, but it stunk even more when they posted that urban ministry thing to try and satisfy us.

GIVE US RICK!

[Terrace Crawford]

Yea, I've thought it weird how the podcast ceased production with no explanation. Doesn't seem like Rick to not follow-thru. Perhaps it was a poser all along!
My bet is that Ed has the staying power.

[David]

Maybe this will clear up some of the questons about Rick's podcast. I received this Email from him about three weeks ago.

"Dear guys,

Eighteen months ago, God told me to “be silent and listen for a season.” So, for the first time in 25 years, I taught no pastors’ conferences. Instead, I quietly traveled around, visiting different cities and holding small, informal listening sessions with guys like you – the pastors I love.

These conversations with pastors and leaders in the trenches were deeply moving to me. I took notes on your struggles and successes, your victories and defeats, your joys and frustrations. I would guess that I may know more about the work of real pastors – at all ages than any other time in my entire life!

My No. 1 priority is – as it always has been – to be a friend, champion, and supporter of pastors any way I can. I’ve believed in you and your ministry for 28 years, and I’m more committed than ever before to serving you.

But God told me to be quiet for a season, and I’ve missed seeing many of you. When we didn’t get together for our annual PDC conference in 2007, it just about killed me! I wanted to write and tell you about the exciting tools and processes we’ve been developing and testing behind the scenes, but God said, “No, be quiet!” That was tough for a guy like me!

In the meantime Saddleback and other Purpose Driven churches around the world were developing many exciting new projects, experiencing amazing growth, and gaining fascinating insights. I’m thrilled to announce that over 30,000 churches in America alone have completed the 40 Days of Purpose campaign! In addition, Saddleback sent out 7,766 of its members to 69 countries – testing tools, strategies, and prototypes of the P.E.A.C.E. Plan.

It’s now time for us to get back together to encourage each other, to share what we are learning, and to band together to impact the world for Christ. That’s why I want to ask you to reserve May 20-22, 2008, for a brand-new, life-changing, myth-busting, ministry-affirming, God-anointed, by-invitation-only event.

This fresh, totally new conference will provide you with the latest tools, processes, concepts, programs, and learning – in a completely unique format. I haven’t even found a name yet that describes this life-altering “un-conference,” but I’m convinced it will launch your ministry to an exponential new level of health, growth, and maturity. For now, I’ll just call it “Rick’s Round Table: The First Purpose Driven Community Gathering.”

I knew that if we opened up this new event to everyone, we’d be overwhelmed, so we decided to make it by invitation only. That’s why I’m writing to you. You will never see an advertisement for this conference, because we are hand-selecting the participants.

This letter is your personal invitation from me. You may bring one key leader or staff member with you and can register now at www.purposedriven.com.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Before a business goes public with an exciting “IPO,” it is required by law to go through a “Quiet Period.” During our 18-month “Quiet Period” here at Purpose Driven, we’ve been testing new tools, developing better strategies, strengthening our global network, upgrading staff and structure, and preparing for what God wants to do through all churches together. It has been both exciting and deeply humbling. It is an honor to serve you.

Built on God’s five unchanging purposes, together we are about to launch into the greatest days of the church. God has brought us to this point, and I’m more confident about what is about to happen through PD churches and the P.E.A.C.E. Plan than I was confident in starting Saddleback – and that dream turned out pretty well!

This new conference is not about Saddleback or me. It’s about all of us together – extending God’s Kingdom in the world, strengthening his church in the world, doing his will in the world, and serving his purposes in the world. It’s about reformation, renewal, and revival in your church!

You are so, so dear to me. I’m praying God continues to bless your faithfulness to him. You are my friends and co-laborers in Christ’s Kingdom, and one day we’re all going to celebrate together in heaven. God is with us!"

[Ben Arment]

thanks David, that's really interesting.